Alford Lake Camp

Alford Lake Campers know the sound of raindrops on canvas tents.  They know the comforting feeling of being dry and warm when it is raining outside.  But camp life doesn’t stop when it is raining out.  ALCers grab their raincoats or ponchos, slip their feet into sturdy rain boots and head out of their tents to live, learn and explore camp activities in the rain.  The fun of camp life continues and the entire camp community adapts to nature’s unpredictable whims.

It is interesting to ponder how dealing with rain at Alford Lake Camp teaches our campers how to weather the storms, both big and small, that may occur in their lives.  Skills and experiences that they share with their fellow campers can lead to strengths that last a lifetime.  We all hope for sunny days but we can still progress and learn when life is not as we hope.  ALCers have learned the importance of having the right gear along with the right attitude to be flexible and to know that, yes, in most cases, every cloud has a silver lining.

When it rains in Hope, Maine our camp stays true to our camp life — no rainy day movies or strange departures from camp values.  We adapt and enjoy a different pace of camp life.  We hear, over and over again, from ALC alums that the ability to be flexible, to look at a problem as an opportunity rather than a roadblock, and to still look forward to the day – even a rainy day – are lessons they have learned through camp life.

We love the sound of rain on the tents, we love to watch the raindrops fall on the lake, and we love a good puddle to stomp in.  We love sunny days, but we love to embrace the fun an occasional rainy day brings to ALC.  How many camps can say that?

Warmly,

Sue McMullan, Director
Betsy Brayley, Assistant Director

By Barb Sullivan

Where in the world is Alford Lake Camp?!  How is the best way to get to camp to drop off or pick up my camper?  Here are a few helpful hints:

Alford Lake Camp’s Summer Address is:
258 Alford Lake Road
Hope, ME  04847  USA

(NOTE:  Believe it or not a few confused families have thought the Camp’s Winter Office was their destination… so just to be clear — nothing but filing cabinets in Cape Elizabeth during the summer!! Head to 258 Alford Lake Road, HOPE, ME for ALC summer fun!!)

If you are driving — RESIST the urge to take scenic Route 1…. the beautiful, winding coastal route in Maine is lovely but completely jammed during the summer months.  Take Route 295 — it is still “Maine-like” and you will arrive on time.

According to Mapquest… Camp is approximately:

• 7 hours and 30 minutes from New York, NY
• 3 hours and 45 minutes from Boston, MA
• 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland, ME

When you arrive at Camp you will see a group of counselor’s in training (CT’s) with clipboards standing on the side of the Alford Lake Road.  They will point you in the right direction for unloading your car, finding your camper’s tent and meeting your camper’s counselor, and Sue and Betsy!  Don’t worry, camp will have people available to help you carry your camper’s trunk & gear.

Questions along the way? Just call camp and we can help you.
The Summer Camp Office opens June 7th and our number is 207-785-2400.

Barb Sullivan
ALC Alum, Parent and Staff Member